Ship



Dec. 27, 1938. 1&1. B. GEDDES 2,141,181

SHIP

Filed Dec. 4, 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet l v x m 5 2 INVENTOR: p L: B MP'M n {89L @nzo dw Q) v Y Y mW Kfi M +Gl pbzll ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 27, 1938. N. B; GEDDES I 2,141,181

SHIP

Filed Dec. 4, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR:

mm Kumwl ATTORNEYS Dec. 2'7, 1938. N. B. GEDDQES SHIP 7 Sheets-Sheet '3 Filed Dec. 4, 1954 IN VENTOR! m gal @4426 @W/ ATTORNEY,

Dec. 27, 193a N. B. GEDDES SHIP Filed Dec. 4, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 YET INVENTOR:

' ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 27, 1938. N. B. GEDDES 7 Sheet-Sheet 5 SHIP Filed Dec. 4, 1934 8 w 1 1w LT M; L 7 5 4 L f 5 I W 0 w MM y 4 Wmw/ w L l|| L1. w 0 M, L .F 7 y 4 N I f 0 M A) INVENTOR:

BY V W Kmwl Wk ATTORNEYS.

7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR:

F J 1 81 imowm ATTORNEYS.

N. B. GEDDES Filed Dec. 4, 1934 Dec. 27, 1938.

N. E3. G EDDES Dec. 27, 1938;

SHIP

Filed Dec. 4, 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Patented p.1 7, 1938 um'rso STATES PATENT OFFICE u 2,141,181

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'6 Claims.

10 various cooperating features ofship construction,

arrangementand operation; the general objectbeing to improve the efficiency and utility of shipsof the class referred to. A particular ob ject is to improve seaworthiness as compared to 15 conventional ships, namely by reconstruction of the superstructure form to minimize wind and water forces and afford stable smooth riding,

qualities, while securing maximum structural strength, and pleasing appearance.

20 A further object is to enhance the comfort of such aship, for example by arranging for a-maximum of uninterrupted deck spaces available in all kinds of weather and free of the various mechanical and equipmentobstructions of the con- 26 ventional yacht. While the ship hereof does not present the usual amount of permanently open deckspace it affords ample open space, and additionally provides flexibly convertible observation and sun decks for fair weather use.

Another object of the invention is to effect a saving of fuel or increase of speed, namely by its novel form of superstructure, substantially reducin'g air resistance on streamline .principles, therefore giving a greater speed and range of 35 travel against head winds. Another object is to provide eflicient and convenient means for accommodating and launching life or other boats.

Various further objects and advantages will be hereinafter explained or will be apparent to those 40 conversant with the subject.

. The drawings as, an exampleillustrate the structure of a'steel yacht of proportions for about 8 passengers and crew of 30, with-overall length 231.5 f eet, beam 37,, draft 12.5, displacement 45 1385 tons, driven by twin engines each of 1100' horse power, at a cruising speed of 16 knots per hour; the length to be relatively increased for higher speeds, and all dimensions varied to the demand. I 5 Figure 1 isia perspective view of the complete vessel as seen from a point forward of the starboard beam.

Fig. 2 is a starboard side elevation.

Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical section on the" 5.1ine 33, and Fig. 4 at the line 4-4, of Figs. 2 or 6. I Fig. 5 is alongitudinal vertical central sec tion. a

Fig. 6 is a plan view at the navigation deck 00 level.

, section.

. rudder anddriving propellers.

a bilge keel 25.

Fig. '7 is a plan view at the sun deck level.

Fig. 8, on anenlarged scale, is a top plan view of the forward observation deck with the outer top plates of the superstructure omitted to show the operating mechanism. Fig. 9 is a starboard 5 side elevation of the same showing the deck in its lowered position, and its raised or flush position in dotted lines. Fig. 10 is a front elevation of the same.

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the convertible sun deck on an enlarged scale. Fig. 12, on a still larger scale, is a sectional view taken on the transverse line l2 --l2 of Fig. 11. Fig. 13, on a yet larger scale, is like the lower part of Fig. 12 but showing the nested position of the sliding 1 panels when this deck is fully open.

Fig.- 14 is a starboard side elevation showing the roof or shell plates above the after observation deck in open or uplifted position, the same shown closed in dotted lines. Fig. 15 is a top plan view thereof. Fig. 16 is an after-view of this deck and its convertible covering in closed position taken partly in section on the line lt-ll of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a front elevation of the lifeboat handling and launching mechanism, partly in Fig. 1a is a starboard side'elevation thereof.

Fig. 19 is a front elevatiompartly in section of the reception deck space at the social deck 80 level, the mechanism for operating its openable' doors or platforms and the owner's launch handling mechanism. Fig. 20 is a starboard side elevation .thereof.

Below the water line W. L. is the submerged portion 20 of the ship's hull, its above-water portion 2i having a generally rounded bow 22 but with a forwardly curved prow 23, the after end of the hull tapering at 24 toward the stern. At the rear end of the keel 25 are the conventional Fig. 3 indicates The superstructure as will bemore fully described comprises an enclosing shell which is generally exteriorly smooth and is of convexly rounded form over its top and sides, the shell plates and the decks being supported on a conventional framework of longitudinal's and laterals; the superstructure having its maximum transverse section well forward as shown, and so its after contour tapered toward, the stern, and its. protruding features generally harmonized in shape for low air resistance. The forward end 26 is preferably convexly rounded or domed so that the bow is generally blunt, and the long tapered after end 21 terminates in a tail 2!, all" conforming generally with streamline principles. "For purposes of description the decks or levels from top to bottom will be termed: A, navigation deck; 13, sun deck; 0, social deck; D, stateso bers are shown, longitudinals 29 and laterals 30.

Below the rounded bow end 26 is shown a flange-like outer deck or walk 3! in the natureof a projecting rim, beneath which the prow 23 curves forwardly and merges into the extreme tip, acting to throw ofi impacting waves. This deck or walk 3| may be of width to serve as-exterior working space, and access thereto may be had at both sides by doors 32 leading from interior working and storage spaces, and of side to admit motor cars. At the stern projects an exterior working deck or walk 33 of substantial width, to which the crew has access by doors 38 atthe sides. The flange or rim decks 3| and 33 are shown at deck levels B and C respectively, both of them at both sides extending well amidships.

The forward top deck is provided with a wave breaker or shoulder 35 somewhat aft of the bow, to split and dispose of waves coming over the bow, and aft thereof is a second such shoulder 36, protecting the pilot house 38 from the wash.

The pilot house or bridge 38 is at the highest point of the superstructure and well aft of the widest section; below its roof is a continuous window series 38 giving aspect in all directions. Following the pilot houseis a tapered protrusion or curving hump 48 less wide but blending therewith and with the top deck form. These elements are approximately amidships, affording a long substantially uninterrupted stream-line taper therefrom to the stem end and aclean outline to the forward end of the ship.

Adjacent these elements is a forward mast or stack 82 which is hollow and constitutes an air intake, and well aft thereof is an after mast or stack 43 for air and gas discharge. Each of the stacks has regulable louvers 43. As masts they are available for lookout, radio and other purposes. I

Substantially all other features of the ship are enclosed or adapted to be enclosed, and the exterior structure constitutes an organized entirety,

sistance. At appropriatelevels and positions are various square windows 36 and round port holes 61 and these are mounted to be flush with the skin or shell and weather-tight when closed. By such structure maximum efliciency is aflorded h consistent with high comfort and utility; The

\ spaces 5 l.

skin constitutes an important strength element, its riveted or welded panels affording a truss structure reenforcing the interior frame, and stiffening the ship longitudinally.

As an illustration of possible interior deck and space arrangements, at engine deck level E is the engine room 58, preferably two decks high, and

at the same level are various tank and storage At stateroom level deck D are three or more staterooms 52, crews quarters and mess 58 and forward storage space 54 for anchorchain etc. At social deck level C, amidships is the large cross deck 55 openable to port and starboard,

adapted for reception purposes and forstoring 3|. Aft of the oflicers quarters is a large ,deck space 63 adapted to be opened to sun and air or closed tightly as will be described. To the rear thereof and aft of the exhaust stack or mast B3 is.

an openable and closable observation deck space 64. At the navigation deck level A is the pilot room 38 already mentioned, the roof of which forms .a convenient outdoor space. Forward thereof is an observation space 65 which is normally flush butcan be dropped to convert it for use as an exposed deck, as will be described. Aft of the pilot house is a pair of rooms 86 auxiliary to the pilot room which may be used for storing charts, etc., and between these is an air intake chamber 51, fed by the hollow mast. Con necting stairways will be understood and various other conventional features and auxiliary apparatus and facilities.

The air chamber 81' may feed to the engine.

room by a duct or inside stack 69, while an exhaust duct or stack 10 delivers spent gases to the after discharge mast. As between the hollow masts the intake and discharge may be reversed in some circumstances. Ventilating passages throughout the ship will be understood, and conditioning apparatus, as well as blowers, fans and dampers to control the air.

The advantageous closed-shell or streamline type of ship described is subject to certain oifsets raising practical problems in reference, for

example, to the provision oi. outer deckage for loading and other ship operations, and for health, recreation and reception purposes and enjoyment of the outlook, and in reference as well as to the need of accommodating and properly handling life boats and service launch. These considerations are fully cared for with this invention, as will be described, commencing with the special exposed or convertible decks 63, 64 and 85, the forward and after overhung decks 3| and 83 having been fully described.

The forward observation deck 65 is preferably normally flush with the contour of the superstructure as in Fig. 2 but adapted to be dropped several feet as in Fig. l to constitute a pit or well or sunken deck wherein the sun and air may be taken in security. It may be permanently at i the lower level. Railings and awnings may be added. Access may be had from the interior by a hatchway at each side, comprising stairs l5 leading to the lowered deck level, see Figs. 8 to 10. A suspended door 16 is shown closing the passage from the deck to the stairway, and this door is hinged to a skin plate 17 which in turn is hinged to a .fixed plate, so that at will the door may be folded up against the plate and the latter may be thrown back or tilted up to give headroom, thus giving free access to the lowered deck. The drop deck is shown above the garage space, and when elevated fits tightly asa part of the outer shell.

For lowering and elevating the drop deck 65 each corner has a projecting ear 18 having a threaded hole constituting a nut engaged upon a vertical screw 88, so thatrotation of the four screws lifts or lowers thedeck. Each screw at its upper end has a worm wheel 8| driven by a worm 82 on a cross shaft 83. Each cross shaft carries a bevel gear 84 driven by a bevel gear 85 mounted on a vertical shaft 88. Each of the vertical shafts 86 has a bevel gear 81 at its lower end and these engage bevel gears 88 on a lower longitudinal shaft 89, interconnecting the front and rear parts of the mechanism. To drive the system one of the vertical shafts 86 is extended sources of current.

at and carries a bevel gear 3| driven by 'a gear 32 on a cross shaft 93 having a worm wheel94 driven bya worm 95 on the shaft of a motor 96,

preferably electric and energized by conventional The sun deck 33 intended for recreation or relaxation purposes is rendered convertible by the provision of shell panels or plates which are removable from position preferably by telescoping or nesting so that this deck can be opened or closed at will. The covering over the sun deck comprises, along the center, fixed shell plates I00 which may be provided with glass windows IOI, andthe panels to be described might also consist of sashes containing glass, but are shown as sim- 'ple metal plates. Ateach side the deck is partly enclosed by fixed shell sections I02 serving as rails, and the tops of these may be low enough rated by arched lateral frame members 30 suificlently substantial to afiford bracing strength in connection with the overhead longitudinal 29 and others. Near the top of each frame lateral 30, beneath the fixed top plates I00 is shown a fixed channel I atv each side and from this point outwardly and'downwardly extend the slidable curved panels I01, I08 and I09, three being shown in each row at each side. These panels may be guided by a system of projecting ribs I I0 at each side of each lateral 30, supplemented by a system of guiding rollers III, so that the several panels may be slid upwardly into their closed positions shown in Figs. 11 and 12 or downwardly into open position as shown in Fig. 13, where they are all accommodated within the rail or fixed side panel While the slidable panels I01, I08 and I09 might be -moved in .various ways, a convenient systerriis shown wherein the panels are inter-' connected with each other: so that the opening or closing movements may be eflected by. operation upon one only of the panels. Each upper panel I0] and secondpanel I 091s shown as having an inwardly extending flange H3 at its lower edge. The second panel I00 has an outward flange H4 at its upper edge engageable with the lower fiange I I3 ,of the first panel. Adifferent coupling is provided between the. second and third panels, the panel I08\having an eye 'I I5 and the panel I09 a hook II6 engageable with the eye. By this arrangement when the first and second panels are slid up into closed position, the

third panel may either be shifted with them, or

if uncoupled allowed to remain in itslowered or.

open position, giving partial exposure to. the sun deck. The lower edge of the third panel I09 has a wide outer flange II6 engaging, when .closed, beneath an inner flange 8 on the rail plate Inward of'thefirail plate {02 is shown a fixed A vertical housing wallI20 enclosing a space for the operating mechanism, and at' the top of this wall is a pivoted railpiece I2I which may be swung over to cover the enclosed-space when the sun deck is fully or'partly open, as in Fig. 13.

The sliding panels, preferably composed of stainless steel, are in overlapping relation and arrangedgtoshed water as far as possible, and

'various usual packings, shields and the like are to be understood. When the sun deck is closed it is preferred that each of the panels, as it comes to its final position, engages upon a fixed incline or wedge operating to force it snugly against the guiding ribs or tracks, thus rendering more tight the closed deck covering and preventing rattling.

The described convertible .sun deck-is quite flexible in its adjustments. The deck can be opened or closed at either side, wholly or partly. The shifting mechanism may slide upwardly the respective panels I01, I08 and I09, at each row, to any desired extent, so that the covering may be opened near the top only, to a wide or narrow degree, or the first or second panels can be pulled clear up after uncoupling the third panel, giving a wide overhead covering against rain but leaving the deck open by the width of one panel above the'rail. I

A convenient panel operating mechanism is that shown, comprising cables and means for guiding and pulling them toraise or lowerthe panels. For each row of panels at each side there may be the following. The top panel has a depending bracket I23 to which is attached a cable I24 to pull the panel up and a cable I25 to pull it down. The cable I24 passes through the channel I05 and around a reversing pulley I26, and both cables overlie a series of small pulleys I21 along the frame lateral 30. The two cables are thus brought within the housing H9, in which are guide pulleys I29 over which the cables pass on the way to the operating drum I30, on which the cables are oppositely wound. Each drum is mounted loosely on a longitudinal operating shaft I3I turning in bearing brackets I32. Each of the several drums may be independently clutched to the shaft by means of a friction clutch I34 controlled from the deck by ahandle I35, so that when the handle is thrown the drum revolves, pulls'one cable and pays out the other thus shifting the panels as desired, the friction slip in the clutch preventing breakage. The shaft I3I at a convenient point may be drivenby a reducing gear I31 rotated by a worm I38 on a shaft of a motor "9, which may be set in rotation in advance of any adjusting operation. By using a reversible motor it can first be started in the desired direction" and the clutches then operated to the extent desired.

The after observation deck 93, available as a semi protected lounge deck is shown just aft of the mast 43, its floor being a portion of deck B and its roof being an adjustable portion of the. outer shell between fixed shell portions I H and I 42, as shown in the general figures and in detail iniF'igs. 14, 15 and 16. The outer shell slopes downwardly at this point while the deck B is somewhat below the top fixed plate I 42. The convertible members comprise a central plate I43 ofa triangular shape and hingedat its front edge to the fixed plate I, its tapered rear end adaptednormally to swing down flush with the fixed plate I42 or to be lifted sufllciently to'openv Hinged to each side this deck to rear exposure.

of thecentral plate or panel I43 are wing panels I44,.and these three panels are curved so as to conform and merge 'with the superstructure con-1 tour.

- For rendering open the deck 83 there is shown ,a main lifting device or jack I49, conventionally illustrated as.a hydraulic Jack, located beneath the rear end of. the center panel I43. Underneath the edge ofeach of the wings I44 is a rear Jack IQ'I and a forward jack. I58," which may ,be

swivelled to allow for the lateral/swinging motion. The wing jacks may be enclosed within a housing or rail wall I50 at each side, conform- 5 ing to the triangular deck shape.

In operation, water pressure may be opened to the main or central'jack I46 by v'alve I52 and to the wing jacks at either or both sides, by valves I53, as desired. When all of the panels are 0 swung up to the open position shown a wide view is provided toward the rear and sides, while protected from the weather, and the upswung panels giving protection from gases issuing from the hollow mast 43.

. The convex enclosing type of ship presents a problem in accommodating and launching lifeboats 'from a high point, herein shown as at the navigation deck A. The position and generalarrangement is indicated in the general figures, 0 Fig. 1 showing in dotted lines the open position of the parts and Figs.5 and G'indicating the loca- V cation of the lifeboats; Figs. 1'7 and 18 showing the details ofthe launching mechanism at one side, the other side being similar.

26 I The two lifeboats I56 are set longitudinally, each upon a dolly I51 upon deck A. The dollies have hinged chocks to reduce their height when .out of use, and the dollies slide or roll transversely across the width of the ship at 'deck A- 30 upon tracks I59, each having a locking lever I60 to secure the dolly in a given position. By this arrangement either lifeboat may be launched.

at either side since, after one boat has been launched, its dolly may be thrust clear to the side, and the other dolly shifted into the posi-' rtion of the first.

The superstructure shell is normally closed, but for taking out the boat is adapted to be opened, for example as follows: A section or panel I62 of 40 the shell is hinged at its upper edge to constitute a door swingable from the full line to the dotted line position of Fig. 17. This door or panel is shown as "having an interior lever I63 carrying a counter weight I64 sumciently heavy to cause automatic upswinging of the door when released.

The actual shifting of the lifeboat from ina board to outboard is effected by a pair of davit arms I88 swingablefrom the full line to the dotted line position of Fig. 1'7 about a fulcrum I87. These davit'arms carry a substantial extent of shell I68 constituting a lower swinging panel or door; The boat compartment thereforeeis opened by the swinging up of the upper door I62 and theswinging out of the lower door or panel I88, and when in position the door I62 may be confined in closed position by a latch I65, released when the davits are tobe swung out. In addition to the door or panel I68 the davit arms carry light plates I69 which, when the doors '60 are closed, cover over and protect the shell recesses wherein the hinges I61 are accommodated. The lifeboat I68 is shown as suspended from a pulley at the extremity of the davit arm by a lowering cable I'III which may be controlled by the unnecessary to describe. To swing the'davits .and boat from inboard to outboard position and vice versa, the middle partsof the respective davit arms are connected by long links or rods 70 I12, each with a cross head I18 in the nature of a threaded nut fitted upon a long leadscrew I14 consisting of a threaded s'haft turning in fixed bearings, so that by turning the screw the cross head is shifted progressively from one end to the 5 other and the link is thusoperated to swing the standard form of lowering tackle I1I,

davit. This actuation may be effected by means of a bevel gear IIIion the screw shaft I'III, said gear engaging a gear I'I'I on a transmitting shaft I78 which at its other end carries a bevel gear I19 driven by a bevel gear I80 on a longi- 5 tudinal drive-shaft IIlI which operates the connections to both leadscrews. These connections are adapted to be operated either by hand or by motor, controlled from the lifeboat compartment. 10 In operation, the screw I16 is turned, the davit arms swing out, carrying the lower shell panel or door I68, which releases the upper door I62, the latter opens itself, the boat passes outboard to the dotted position above the water 15 and forward of the landing platform at deck C. The boat may be loaded inboard, or after being swung out, the deck panel I68 between the davit arms then forming a landing platform for enter- Y ing the boat, which is thenlowered clear of the 20 ship sides. x The owners launch I88 is shown accommodated in the cross deck or reception space 55 at level C, at each side of which the shell plates constitute a door I swlngable outward about 25' hinge or fulcrum I86 to-constitute .a landing platform; to which, when in use, may be attached a railing I81 and stairs 'and landing stage I88. Fig. l shows the door in receiving position, Figs. 2 and 3 show it closed nd Figs. 30 18 and 19 show its operating mecha ism and the boat handling mechanism in detail. For sheer strength the frame longitudinals'ZQ and laterals 8D surrounding the wide doorway are extra heavy; and if no launch is to be handled 35 lengthwise one or more lateral frame members could be retained vertically across the doorway, dividing it into sections. w When closed the door I85 is clamped weather'- tight as follows: To arreye I90 at each end of the 40 door is attached by removable-pin I9! a threaded bolt I92 engaged in a threaded bracket I93, and turned either way by a reversible ratchet and handle I98. When this device is loosened and uncoupled the door may be lowered by two 5 cables I98, detachable from the door, and operated by tackle I9'I. As later described each cable, at a certain stage, is slipped upon a pulley I98at outboard position for the lowering of the door from horizontal to dropped position. Fig. 50 l8 shows all three positions.

To allow door I85 to swing clear down its hinges I86 are shifted outboard, each hinge being mounted on carriage 200 slidable in a way 20! and having a rack 202 engaged by a pinion 5 208 turned by a removable crank 288. When in horizontal position, as a platform. the door may be there rigidly locked. For this, at two or more hoisting winch 2I'I, and each has its own motor 2I8. When stowed, thelaunch may be lowered upon chocks 2I9 on the deck floor, the chocks being collapsible and removable at will.

The two davits may be shifted laterally as follows. Each davit at its base-has two wide 7 rollers 221 mounted below the deck level on angle irons 228. To steady the shiftable beam and prevent play when in its projecting position, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 18, there are pairs of holddown rollers 22'! mounted on angle irons 230 on the deck, these rollers bearing upon the top side of the lower flange 225. c

The operation of the combined door and platform and the davit mechanism may be as follows. The door clamp devices I92 are released and the cables I96 attached to the door. The cables are paid out until the door projects horizontally, and the sliding bars 206 are thrust out .to hold it rigid as a platform. If the boats is to be launched the carriages 200 are shifted to locate the hinges outboard. The large beams 224 are slid out to their dotted position Fig. 18,

' and the davits 2l5 are shifted to the extremities .of the beams. The cables I96 are slacked and laid on the pulleys I98 at the beam ends and again tightened. The locking bars 206 are nowretracted inboard, permitting the platform to be lowered to its depending position shown, thus clearing the way for the launching. The hoisting winch is operated to lower the frame 2 and boat I84 to the water, and the boat is unhooked from the frame. The platform may now be hoisted to and locked in horizontal position and the rails and landing steps attached. I

A ship or yacht structure having thus been described as an illustration of the present invention, no limitation to specific features of construction, arrangement or operation is intended except as set forth in the respective claims.

Iclaini: a 1. A sea-going yacht or ship whose superstructure comprises an enclosing shell containing a series of interior decks; and characterized by means as follows affording a closable landing platform; a side panel of said superstructure shell .being formed as a door above the level of an interior landing deck, said door-panel having hinges at its lower edge thereby to swing out and down from closed to substantially horizontal open position flush with said landing deckwhere it serves as a landing platform, said panel having a transverse way formed therein, means to hold the door securelyin closed positiomand other means to hold it rigidly in horizontal position substantially flush with said interior deck, comprising an inboard way formed insaid shell at the level of said deck and a rigid bar normally in said inboard way, said bar being. normally disconnected from said platform butadapted to be shifted laterally partially outboard into locking engagement with the way of the platform, after the platform has swung 'down into. horizontal position, thereby preventing up or down swinging thereof.

2, A sea-going yacht or ship whose superstructure comprises an enclosing'shell containing a series of interior decks; and characterized by means as follows aifording a closable landing platform; a side panel of said shell being formed as a door above the level of an interior deck, said door-panel having hinges at its lower edge theresaid door hinges, and means to shift outwardly such carriage and hinges to bring the hinges outboard and thus permit the door to be lowered swingingly into depending position.

3. A ship as in claim 2 and wherein an inboard wayvis formed in said shell at the level of said deck and the means holding the door rigidly in horizontal position comprising a rigid bar normally in said inboard wayand adapted to be shifted partially outboard into locking engagement with the platform.

4. A sea-going yacht or ship whose superstructure comprises an enclosing shell containing a series of interior decks and having a side doorway above an interior deck; and characterized by means as follows for launching a small boat, a cooperative pair of heavy transverse beams mounted upon said deck for transverse sliding thereon, said beams being spaced apart further than the length of the small boat and carrying transverse trackways, and a davit-pair for a small boat located normally inboard and resting uponsuch trackways and slidable bodily thereon transversely of the deck, and spaced apart for the descent of the small boat between them, said beams, trackways and davits being located opposite to said doorway, whereby the'beams may he slid outwardly partly through the doorway, and the davits may he slid outwardly on the beams, thereby to carry the small boat outboard for lowering between the spaced apart ends of the beams.

5. A sea-going ship with enclosed superstructure of generally rounded form constituting a shell and a system of interior decks, and with an interior lifeboat compartment above an upper deck whereat the deck width is substantially less than the greatest ship beam therebelow; and characterized by lifeboat launching means, comprising a normally enclosed pair of davit arms fulcrumed at their lower ends to swing outwardly to an extended position to carry a lifeboat outboard well beyond the greatest beam of the ship therebelow, clear of the ship sides, the shell having a doorway of ample lengthand height for the passage of the lifeboat anddavit arms, a lower shell panel normally closing the lower part of the doorway and swingably mounted to swing outwardly and there constitute a boarding platform, and an upper shell panel normally closing the upper part of the doorway and retractible to clear the doorway for the passage of the lifeboat and davit arms; said lower panel or boarding platform being attached to swing outwardly and inwardly with said davit arms.

6. A ship as claimed in claim 4 and wherein said deck isprovided with opposed exterior doorways, said pair of beams of a length of substantially the width of the deck located between said doorways.

NORMAN BEL GEDDES. 

